Adult spring Classes
The West Hartford Art League holds year round art instruction for adults and youths in the form of weekly daytime and evening classes Monday - Saturday in the fall, winter and spring. Special weekend and one time workshops are held throughout the year taught by a varied group of instructors.
Spring Session:
Our Spring 2024 session of classes will begin the week of April 1.
Registration will open Friday, February 16 at 2 pm for members. Non-member registration will open 2 weeks later on Friday March 1st.
Membership is $50 for one year and gives you a discount on classes, as well as early registration privileges.
Join HERE
View our class policies here.
spring adult CLASSES
Painting Fundamentals
Mondays, April 1 - June 10 No class May 27
10:00am-12:00pm, Zbigniew Grzyb
Painting class for beginner to advanced artists. We will focus on composition, balance of elements, and harmony of painting. The teacher will work individually with each student, giving constructive feedback.
Expressive Abstract Painting
Mondays, April 1 - April 22 (4 weeks)
6:00pm-8:30pm, Heather Neilson
In this class you will develop abstract painting skills and confidence using acrylic paints, mark-making and a variety of other tools. Through a series of fun exercises using high quality mixed media paper, you will learn to loosen up and paint more expressively.
Pastel: adding figure to the landscape
Tuesdays, April 2 - April 30 (5 weeks)
9:00 am-12:00 noon , Karen Israel
In this course, we will explore the landscape through its many seasons and working from photographic references, where possible, we will incorporate the figure in the landscape. There will be much discussion on interpreting the pitfalls and benefits of photography and discussion of proportion and perspective when it comes to placing a reasonable figure in the landscape.
Portraiture
Tuesdays, April 2 - June 4
1:00pm-4:00pm, Antony Zito
Open to all ages and skill levels, this course will guide you through the creation of an in-depth portrait using acrylic paint and collage. Our main focus will be to achieve a balanced sense of proportion and a distinct likeness, while exploring expressionistic mark-making techniques, and learning to blend the borders between collage and paint.
Monday Night Pottery
Mondays, April 1 - June 17
No Class May 27
6:00-9:00pm, Mary Bramble Scott
The course will cover basic pottery wheel throwing techniques where students will develop or continue to improve, their skills in centering, throwing and trimming pottery forms. Students will learn to make the two most common forms from which almost all pottery stems; a cylinder and a bowl. From there we will learn more advanced skills and how to embellish our pieces with carvings, handles, additions and or other accents.
Tuesday Wheel Throwing
Tuesdays, April 2 - June 4
6:00pm-9:00pm, Deanna Johnson
The course will cover basic pottery wheel throwing techniques where students will develop or continue to improve, their skills in centering, throwing and trimming pottery forms. Students will learn to make the two most common forms from which almost all pottery stems; a cylinder and a bowl. From there we will learn more advanced skills and how to embellish our pieces with carvings, handles, additions and or other accents.
Expressive Painting: Still life & Portrait
Mondays, April 1 - June 17
No class April 8 & May 27
1-4 pm, Mike Laiuppa
In this class we will be painting in a more free-form manner (without a preliminary grid or drawing). We will also focus on many other aspects of "freedom" so that your paintings will be more expressive and your painting sessions more enjoyable. For instance, putting temperature before color and edges before detail. Even if you never grid or draw, this class will help you better balance the line between being accurate and painterly all while making your paintings look more convincing and interesting.
Beginning Watercolor
Wednesday, April 3 - May 22
6:00 pm-8:00 pm, Carol Ganick
This class is for those with little or no painting experience.
You will be given step by step instruction on materials, brush use, the three basic methods used to apply watercolor paint, mixing colors, applying correct values and a helpful drawing exercise.
In each class the instructor will introduce a technique or painting exercise(s). Students will then practice during class time.
Drawing Basics (7 Weeks)
Tuesdays, April 2 -May 14
4:30pm - 6:30pm, Amanda Surveski
A beginner's drawing class designed for aspiring artists with little to no prior experience, and those who want a refresher. We’ll work toward developing and expanding our observational and rendering skills using a variety of subject matter. Working from life, we will learn basic techniques such as contour and gesture drawing, shading, controlling tones, composition and different drawing methods that will provide you with a solid starting point to embark on your artistic journey
Contemporary Abstract Art
Mondays, April 1 - June 3 (8 weeks)
1:00pm-4:00pm, Dianne Zweig
No class April 22 & May 27th
Classes will continue to focus on innovative approaches to making contemporary art. Spring session, “Go Against Type,” provides students with opportunities to view “type and text” in new ways. Assignments will explore such topics as Dadaiism, graffiti, typography, numbers, book art, Asemic writing and even a hint of assemblage. Students will continue to be introduced to the work of noted contemporary artists.
Watercolor Workout
Tuesdays, April 2 - May 21 (8 weeks)
9:00am-12:00pm, Robert Noreika
This class will focus on simplifying the subject: seeing the simple values and then sketching them into a full color painting. Learn how to take an unsuccessful watercolor and recreate it with fluid acrylics. Many techniques will be demonstrated including ink and watercolor wash.
Monotype Alone/Monotype with Collage - 6 weeks
Wednesdays, April 3 - May 8
1:00pm-3:00pm, Melissa Meredith
Create monotypes using waterbased paints (except acrylics) and inks with the added option of adding collage materials (chine colle) to the finished prints. Participants will create images on plexiglass plates that will be printed on dampened paper on a press. Prints are then dried leaving the artist with a beautiful singular image.
Watercolor: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate
Tuesday, April 9 - May 28 - 8 weeks
Please note- late start date
6:00-8:00 pm, Carol Ganick
Students are expected to have recent experience with and an understanding of techniques such as painting washes, glazing, layering, creating textures, masking, edge control, and brush application techniques. (e.g. wet on dry, wet on wet, and dry brush.) Classes will mainly focus on landscape and subjects from nature with emphasis on composition, values, and color mixing. As needed, practice assignments for improving skills in painting techniques will be provided.
This class is for students who have studied with Carol Ganick recently. Others who are interested must contact the instructor at 860-461-2448 to discuss training in watercolor techniques to determine if this class is appropriate.
Rendering in Black & White (7 weeks)
Tuesday, April 2 - May 14
6:45 pm- 8:45 pm, Amanda Surveski
In this class learn to accurately render different textures from fur and feathers, to metal and stone, tree bark, and much more. We will reference objects from life and use photos to learn techniques that capture subtle details, bringing more life and three-dimensionality to our drawings
Thursday Wheel Throwing
Thursdays, April 4 - June 6
6:00pm-9:00pm, Deanna Johnson
The course will cover pottery wheel throwing techniques where students will develop or continue to improve, their skills in centering, throwing and trimming pottery forms. Students will learn to make the two most common forms from which almost all pottery stems; a cylinder and a bowl. From there we will learn more advanced skills and how to embellish our pieces with carvings, handles, additions and or other accents.
Drawing Open Studio - 7 weeks
Thursday, April 4 - May 16
6:00 - pm-8:00pm, Amanda Surveski
From colored pencils, pens, watercolors and more, this course is an open studio class where students work on their own independent projects while receiving constructive critique and working on independent goals. Perfect for artists of all levels and all media, this course offers the opportunity to develop your drawing skills, receive valuable feedback, and explore your style in a classroom environment.
Friday Watercolor
Fridays, April 5 - June 7
10 am-12:30am, Carol Ganick
This class is open to students who are confident in watercolor application techniques such as wet into wet, wet on dry and dry brush. Critique of completed work will be an important aspect of this course. By sharing and discussing work we gain inspiration, new insights, and different perspectives. Class critique will take place at the beginning of class for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, followed by painting time. Consideration will be given to composition, color harmony, and value patterns.
Absolute Beginners
Thursday, April 4 - June 6
1 pm - 4:00pm, Deborah Velasquez
Express yourself with paint, drawing, and collage with intuition as your guide.? Have fun with new tools and techniques. We will paint to music, use prompts, make marks, make our own collage papers, collaborate, and more.? In this class I share techniques and strategies to enhance one's work. All exercises and techniques will sampled in an art journal which can be used as reference at end of class. I will guide you from paper, to paint, to canvas. Great class to begin your painting journey or add to your body of work. By the end of the class you have two ready to hang pieces. Discover your creative potential and style.
No experience necessary.
Plein Air: Pastel, Oil or Acrylic
Wednesdays, April 3 - June 5
1:00pm-4:00pm, Shauna Shane
Class will begin with a discussion and demonstration that is packed with information about the thought process during the planning and completion of a painting. When the weather doesn’t cooperate we’ll work indoors. Learn how to choose your subject with consideration for the time you have How to simplify “spinach” into light and shadow shapes; chaos into masses How to see light and dark rather than objects as your major design element
Oil Painting - 8 week class
Thursdays, April 4 - May 23
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, William Simpson
We can all be better painters, we can all learn how to draw better. You don’t have to take the class to learn the secret – I’ll tell you right now – learn to look closer. Learn to really see what is in front of you. Easy? Not so much. Take my class, and we’ll learn how to see better together.
We’ll also work on composition, and color. Working from your own photos, or choose from the hundreds of images I have. We’ll throw in a still life now and then, and an exercise I particularly enjoy, painting the Schoolhouse interior.
Beginning Painting
Fridays, April 12 - June 14
9 am - 12pm, Mike Berlinski
Please note class starts April 12
Learn about painting in a fun and supportive environment. A different basic painting concept will be briefly introduced and discussed for general information each week. Students are encouraged to bring their own images and/or ideas to work from. There will be plenty of individual guidance and help for each student.
A Printmaking Sampler with the artists of the Hartford Press Co-op
Saturdays April 6- June 8
1:00pm-4:00pm,
There are many methods to achieve the transfer and create a unique handmade print-and you will be able to try out several of them during this 10 week course designed to be an entry level exploration of Printmaking as a medium for the curious beginner.Explore the techniques of Gelli Printing with Brandon Brownlee, Monotype with Jenni Freidman, Screenprint with Kathleen Woodward of Woodward PaperCompany, Book Arts with Chris Roque and Lithography with Alexis Christina Crowley.
Confident Landscape Painting
Wednesdays, April 3 - June 5
9:30am-12:30pm, Shauna Shane
Oil or Acrylic. Beginning with an informative demonstration Shauna will show you how to see the world in terms of shadow and light, simplifying the landscape to the most basic masses and values. With specific, individual instruction you will learn the “what, why, and how” of a successful painting. You will learn the steps necessary to be able to express effectively; how to see the world in a new way, and even more, how to achieve the gift of confidence.Known for her positive and enthusiastic teaching style, Shauna will provide instruction, demonstrations, and critique for the most advancement possible in the art of landscape painting. All levels: but some experience with your chosen medium is recommended.
Beginning Painting
Wednesdays, April 3 - June 5
6:30pm-9:30pm, Brian Colbath
Open to beginners and intermediates,. designed for students with little to no experience in painting, who would like to learn techniques to help develop and improve their own artistic practice. Using landscape as the starting point, students will receive individual instruction as they experiment with different styles and methods of painting. The ultimate goal of the class is for each student to understand the process, and develop his or her own personal style.
Paint Like Monet: American Impressionism
Thursdays, April 4 - June 6
1:00pm - 3:00pm, Zbigniew Grzyb
Connecticut is rich in the tradition of American Impressionism. Learn to paint in this style and create your own masterpiece with oil or acrylic paint. Students will learn techniques used by the Impressionists, how they captured light on canvas and transforming the color of light into a painting.
Watercolor Landscapes
Thursdays, April 4 - May 23 (8 weeks)
6:00pm-8:00pm, Mo Myra
This session is packed full of information on color mixing, observing, drawing for watercolor, and creating value studies. This session will take place indoors with students learning how to paint a landscape from photo. Photo references limit you and leave you asking a lot of questions, some of this session will take place answering those questions, and talking about how to work around the limitations of photos. Each class features a demo and time for students to complete their own paintings.
Sketchbook 101
Sundays, April 14 - June 16
Please note late start date
11am - 1pm, Joe Nicorici
A class designed to help artists develop ideas and solid sketchbook habits. The class will focus on drawing from life, including still-life, models, drawing from photos, digital images and also journaling and collage. We will also look at Renaissance artists to contemporary artists' sketchbooks and how they developed their ideas and practice.
NEW- Beginning Watercolor
Monday, April 1 - June 3
5:30 - 7:30, Brianna Colbath
A class for those with absolutely no experience who want to learn how to paint with watercolors.
